funk out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To back out in a cowardly way; to chicken out.

Register: dated

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

to funk right out o' p'lit'cal strife

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To malfunction.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To rock out to funk music.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “funk out” mean?

To back out in a cowardly way; to chicken out.

Is “funk out” formal or informal?

funk out is generally dated.